FIRST LIGHT RESORTS
First Light Resorts provides visitors with three remarkable lodging options that are each ideal for exploring Yosemite National Park: Evergreen Lodge, Rush Creek Lodge and now Firefall Ranch.
Each lodge serves as a ‘destination within a destination’ and brings its own distinctive style to amenities such as restaurants, taverns, general stores, heated saltwater pools & hot tubs, daily activities, and professionally guided excursions, with no hidden resort fees.
Those seeking sustainable travel options are happy to learn that all three lodges meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, operating and fully self-funding a behind-the-scenes Youth Program, comprehensive water conservation systems that repurpose nearly 100% of water onsite, and a host of additional stewardship efforts.
RUSH CREEK LODGE
Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, which opened in 2016, is built on a historic property fondly known as a Gold Rush claim that just didn’t pan out! Like Evergreen, Rush Creek served as a social hub throughout the Gold Rush era, and is pleased to provide a warm welcome to modern day travelers seeking to bask in Yosemite’s warm glow.
With 143 Lodge Rooms, Suites and Villas situated on 20 hillside acres, and a gorgeous Yosemite-inspired Spa, the Lodge’s mood is laid-back luxury. Located less than a mile from Yosemite’s Hwy 120 West entrance, Rush Creek is a favorite for easiest access to Yosemite.
Rush Creek is privately owned and lovingly operated by Lee Zimmerman and Brian Anderluh, and is a Certified B Corporation.
EVERGREEN LODGE
Evergreen Lodge is a newly expanded historic resort with 88 cabins in the woods and 20 custom camping sites. Guests say Evergreen feels like a big warm hug.
It was established in 1921 to facilitate the building of the O’Shaughnessy Dam in Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Valley. Today you can tap into the historic vibe of Evergreen’s colorful past, while still enjoying the comforts of a modern resort.
Evergreen is blessed with a convenient location for enjoying all of Yosemite. The lodge sits one mile from the Park’s western border and the entrance to Hetch Hetchy.
Evergreen was acquired by Lee Zimmerman and Brian Anderluh in 2001, modernized and expanded over the years and became a founding B Corporation in 2007.
FIREFALL RANCH
With its 2024 Grand Opening, Firefall Ranch proudly joins its long-established sister properties. While brand new, Firefall has historic Yosemite roots, as the Ranch once served as a stop on the original stagecoach route to the Park in the 1870’s.
Firefall sits on 300 sprawling acres of meadowland and Sierra foothills along Yosemite’s Hwy 120 West corridor. With 55 standalone Cottages and Villas spread throughout the property, there is plenty of space for guests to enjoy an elegant, private getaway in pristine natural surroundings.
Firefall Ranch is owned and was built by long-time local contractor Robert Boyer in partnership with the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California. Boyer was also instrumental in expanding Evergreen and building Rush Creek.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our ties to the Yosemite area reach back to 2001, when we purchased the Evergreen Lodge as a means to self-fund a Youth Program teaching job and life skills to under-served Bay Area youth. We are thrilled to be able to expand our Youth Program, environmental mission, and meaningful approach to hospitality to our newest property, Firefall Ranch.
Over the years, we have worked hard to be deserving of praise from a variety of well-respected travel authorities. We’ve earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and Lonely Planet’s Top Choice award, and we are Recommended by Fodor’s, a Frommer’s Favorite and a Sunset Magazine “hidden gem.” We’re looking forward to more of the same at Firefall.
We feel lucky to be stewards of such special places, and we are committed to making sure our properties continue to create lasting memories for generations to come. We love being in the “make people happy” business, and we are proud and excited to offer all-around lodging and guest experiences that are unparalleled in the Yosemite area.
Our goal is to provide gracious and friendly service, quality products, private and communal settings, and a huge array of opportunities for you to enjoy your time with us and to explore the Yosemite area. We hope you will find many ways to create your ideal experience at Firefall.
Simply stated, we want you to be blown away by your experience with us and to not want to leave. We hope you will return and become a regular part of the Firefall, Rush Creek and Evergreen traditions and family. And if you can’t come back, we want your time with us to always be remembered warmly.
We look forward to seeing you here, and we hope that Firefall Ranch brings you as much joy and pleasure as it does us.
Regards,
Lee Zimmerman and Brian Anderluh
History
Rush Creek History Rush Creek had its heyday during California’s Gold Rush. Gold was discovered in California in January 1848 at Sutter’s Mill, just 125 miles north of Rush Creek. By 1849…
Social Mission
Designed for Impact Rush Creek Lodge is honored to join our sister property, the Evergreen Lodge, as a new type of company called a social enterprise, which has social and environmental goals…
Youth Program
A behind-the-scenes workforce development & outdoor adventure program, helping young adults make successful transitions into adulthood.
Now Hiring for Yosemite Jobs
Carrying on the tradition of our sister property, the Evergreen Lodge, Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite has a wonderful culture that is created in large part by the hospitality and warmth of our staff.
Reviews & Press
We strive to create memorable experiences for our guests and would love to hear from you after your stay.
Media Inquiries
We welcome the opportunity to tell you more about this extraordinary place! Click the links below to read our latest Press Releases:
Contact Us
For more information about Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite, please contact us at (209) 379-2373 or email us at [email protected].